Ballot tampering refers to the illegal alteration or manipulation of votes during an election process. This can involve changing, removing, or adding votes to influence the outcome in favor of a particular candidate or party. Such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral system and can lead to significant legal consequences. Methods of ballot tampering can include forging signatures, using counterfeit ballots, or coercing voters to change their votes. Election officials and law enforcement agencies work to prevent and detect these activities to ensure fair and transparent elections, which are essential for a functioning democracy.